Iran To Get First Foreign-Branded Luxury Hotel On Caspian Sea

A Spanish hotel operator says it plans to open what is described as Iran's first foreign-branded seaside hotel as early as next year. Melia Hotels International said on March 2 that the five-star property would be built in a 130-meter tower on the Caspian Sea.

The Gran Melia Ghoo hotel, which is to feature swimming pools, bars, and a spa, will form part of a new district being built in the resort of Salman Shahr.

The property is set to be the first luxury hotel operated by a foreign company in Iran since the Islamic revolution forced overseas brands to flee in 1979.

The announcement comes after international sanctions against Iran were lifted in January in connection with a July nuclear deal with world powers.

In October, Iran got its first foreign-branded hotels in decades when French operator Accor opened a Novotel and an Ibis near Tehran's international airport.